Cat that attacked local man has rabies

CORPUS CHRISTI - A pet cat that attacked a man Monday in the Annaville area tested positive for rabies.

The man, who shot the cat, has shown no rabies symptoms and is receiving treatment, said Kelli Copeland, manager of the citys animal control department.

The incident occurred in the 12000 block of Up River Road. Animal control officers are working to round up other cats in that area to test them for rabies.

Lab work to determine which type of rabies the cat had may help isolate how the cat became infected.

Copeland said this is the first positive rabies test in a domestic animal in about the last 10 years. It is no cause for panic, she said.

Pet owners should be sure vaccinations are up to date, and limit their pets interaction with wild animals.

Well stand back and see if this is isolated incident or see if this is going to be an issue, she said.

Rabies can transfer from animals to people and between animals. Copeland said there are a variety of symptoms animals may have but warned they may not have any.

If you have any doubt about your own pet, let your vet look at them, she said. If you have any doubt about the animals in your area, trap them, have as little interaction with them and get them tested.